Sesquicentennial (1926)
Part of the Roaring Twenties, the 150th Anniversary of the United States was informed by the cultural and technological expansion of American society. Once again coinciding with an Exposition, this celebration saw a greater focus on the contentious topic of immigration and technological modernity. Explore more from this moment in our collections.
Sesquicentennial Exposition March (1926).
One of the official musical works of Philadelphia’s 1926 Sesquicentennial Exposition, John Philip Sousa’s Sesquicentennial Exposition March transformed the anniversary of American independence into sound. Written by the nation’s most famous bandleader, the march reflects the exposition’s blend of historical commemoration, civic pride, and large-scale public celebration. This recording comes from the United States Marine Band.